Police in London and Greater Manchester have announced they will make arrests for individuals displaying placards or chanting the phrase “globalise the intifada.” The decision follows recent attacks targeting Jewish communities, including a mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, and a knife attack in Manchester.
Increased Police Action
The Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police stated that “violent acts have taken place, the context has changed – words have meaning and consequence,” and that they “will act decisively and make arrests.” Frontline officers are being briefed on this new approach, and the forces will utilize powers under the Public Order Act, potentially including conditions around London synagogues during services.
Visible patrols and protective security measures have been increased around synagogues, schools, and community venues in both London and Greater Manchester. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Wednesday a £28m increase in funding for Jewish security, and a review of protest and hate crime laws.
Controversial Decision
The police action has drawn criticism from the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, with director Ben Jamal calling it “another low in the political repression of protest for Palestinian rights.” Jamal stated that the police did not consult with organizers of major protests or representatives of the Palestinian community before making the announcement.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews “strongly welcome[s] this necessary intervention,” stating they have “long warned that people chanting slogans like ‘globalise the intifada’ are inciting violence.” However, Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, described the ban as a “useless token measure” and questioned its enforceability.
The UK’s chief rabbi told the BBC this week that chants of ‘globalise the intifada’ had helped lead to the attacks in Sydney, where fifteen people were killed and dozens injured during an attack on a Hanukkah celebration, and in Manchester, where two people died in a knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on October 2nd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘globalise the intifada’?
The phrase ‘globalise the intifada’ is an Arabic term for uprising. Some describe it as a call for violence against Jewish people, while others say it is a call for peaceful resistance to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and actions in Gaza.
What actions are the police taking?
The Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police forces will arrest people holding placards or chanting the phrase ‘globalise the intifada’. They will also brief frontline officers on this approach and use powers under the Public Order Act.
What was the response from the Prime Minister?
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an increase in funding for Jewish security up to £28m and has ordered a review of protest and hate crime laws.
How will this decision impact future protests and the exercise of free speech in the UK?
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